PAGE 1 OF 2 PRINTED IN USA MKT.

#8800001 - REV W
MFG. #5400761 - 7/02
VSR-F
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW
ALARM SWITCH WITH RETARD
UL, ULC and CSFM Listed, FM and LPCB Approved, NYMEA
Accepted, CE Marked
Service Pressure: Up to 450 PSI (31 BAR)
Minimum Flow Rate for Alarm: 10 GPM (38 LPM)
Maximum Surge: 18 FPS (5,5 m/s)
Contact Ratings: Two sets of SPDT (Form C)
15.0 Amps at 125/250VAC
2.0 Amps at 30VDC Resistive
Conduit Entrances: Two knockouts provided for 1/2" conduit
Environmental Specifications:
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use with factory installed
gasket and die-cast housing.
NEMA 4/IP54 Rated Enclosure - use with appropriate
conduit fitting.
Temperature Range: 40F/120F, 4,5C/49C
Non-corrosive sleeve factory installed in saddle.
Caution: This device is not intended for applications in explosive
environments.
Sizes Available: Steel Pipe schedules 10 thru 40, sizes 2" thru 8"
BS 1387 pipe 50mm thru 200mm
Note: For copper or plastic pipe use Model VSR-CF.
Service Use:
Automatic Sprinkler NFPA-13
One or two family dwelling NFPA-13D
Residential occupancy up to four stories NFPA-13R
National Fire Alarm Code NFPA-72
Optional: Cover Tamper Switch Kit, Stock No. 0090018
U.S. Pat. No. 3921989
Canadian Pat. No. 1009680
Other Patents Pending
Potter Electric, Rd., 1990
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Model VSR-F is a vane type waterflow switch for use on
wet sprinkler systems. It is UL Listed and FM Approved for
use on steel pipe; schedules 10 through 40, sizes 2" thru 8"
(50mm thru 200mm).
LPC approved sizes are 2" thru 8" (50mm thru 200mm).
The unit may also be used as a sectional waterflow detector
on large systems.
The unit contains two single pole, double throw, snap action
switches and an adjustable, instantly recycling pneumatic re-
tard. The switches are actuated when a flow of 10 gallons per
minute (38 LPM) or more occurs downstream of the device.
The flow condition must exist for a period of time necessary to
overcome the selected retard period.
ENCLOSURE: The unit is enclosed in a general purpose, die-
cast housing. The cover is held in place with two tamper resis-
tant screws which require a special key for removal. A field in-
stallable cover tamper switch is available as an option which
may be used to indicate unauthorized removal of the cover. See
bulletin no. 5400775 for installation instructions of this switch.
INSTALLATION: See Fig.2
These devices may be mounted on horizontal or vertical pipe.
On horizontal pipe they should be installed on the top side of the
pipe where they will be accessible. The units should not be in-
stalled within 6" (15cm) of a fitting which changes the direction of
the waterflow or within 24" (60 cm) of a valve or drain.
Drain the system and drill a hole in the pipe using a circular saw
in a slow speed drill. The 2" (50mm) and 2 1/2" (65mm) devices
require a hole with a diameter of 1 1/4" + 1/8" - 1/16" (33mm
2mm). All other sizes require a hole with a diameter of 2" 1/8"
(50mm 2mm).
Clean the inside pipe of all growth or other material for a dis-
tance equal to the pipe diameter on either side of the hole.
Roll the vane so that it may be inserted into the hole; do not bend
or crease it. Insert the vane so that the arrow on the saddle
points in the direction of the waterflow. Install the saddle strap
and tighten nuts alternately to an eventual 50 ft-lbs. (68 n-m) of
torque (see Fig. 2). The vane must not rub the inside of the pipe
or bind in any way.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Potter Electric Signal Company 2081 Craig Road, St. Louis, MO, 63146-4161 Phone: 800-325-3936/Canada 888-882-1833

www.pottersignal.com
PAGE 2 OF 2 PRINTED IN USA MKT. #8800001 - REV W
MFG. #5400761 - 7/02
VSR-F
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW
ALARM SWITCH WITH RETARD
NOTES:
1. The Model VSR-F has two
switches, one can be used to
operate a central station, pro-
prietary or remote signaling
unit, while the other contact is
used to operate a local audible
or visual annunciator.
2. A condition of LPC Approval of
this product is that the electri-
cal entry must be sealed to
exclude moisture.
3. For supervised circuits see
Switch Terminal Connec-
tions drawing and caution
note (Fig. 1).
SWITCH TERMINAL
CONNECTIONS
CLAMPING PLATE
TERMINAL
CAUTION:
An uninsulated section of a
single conductor should not
be looped around the termi-
nal and serve as two sepa-
rate connections. The wire
must be severed, thereby
providing supervision of the
connection in the event that
the wire becomes dislodged
from under the terminal.
TESTING
The frequency of inspection and testing for the model VSR-F and its associated protective monitoring system should be in
accordance with applicable NFPA Codes and Standards and/or the authority having jurisdiction (manufacturer recommends
quarterly or more frequently).
If provided, the inspectors test valve, that is usually located at the end of the most remote branch line, should always be used for
test purposes. If there are no provisions for testing the operation of the flow detection device on the system, application of the
VSR-F is not recommended or advisable.
A minimum flow of 10 gpm (38 Lpm) is required to activate this device.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please advise the person responsible for testing of the fire protection system that this system must be
tested in accordance with the testing instructions.
FIG. 1 FIG. 2
FIG. 3 TYPICAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
FIG. 4
To remove knockouts: Place
screwdriver at edge of knock-
outs, not in the center.
APPLICATION WARNING!
Due to the possibility of unintended discharges caused by pressure surges, trapped air, or short retard times, waterflow switches
that are monitoring wet pipe sprinkler systems should not be used as the sole initiating device to discharge AFFF, deluge, or
chemical suppression systems.
Cover Tamper
(with cover in place)